2017 Nissan Qashqai 1.2L Petrol · LL67 HPF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 30 April 2026, was passed but recorded two advisories: the rear inner brake pads are down to 2 mm and the off‑side rear tyre shows early signs of cracking or perishing. Over the last five years the vehicle has alternated between clean passes and isolated failures, most notably a tyre‑wear failure in May 2024 and a headlamp‑aim failure the same day, plus a wiper‑performance failure in 2022. While the latest result is a pass, the recurrence of tyre‑related advisories and the brake‑pad wear indicate a maintenance picture that is holding steady but requires prompt attention to prevent deterioration. At 73,593 miles the Qashqai averages roughly 8,200 miles per annum, which is typical for a nine‑year‑old family SUV. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe component fatigue, nor are there long gaps that would point to prolonged storage‑related ageing. The mileage therefore supports a normal wear pattern for the age, but the relatively modest annual distance means that age‑related degradation – such as rubber perishing and corrosion – may be more significant than mileage‑driven wear. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular focus to the tyre condition. Examine the off‑side front and rear tyres for sidewall cracks, tread separation, or uneven wear that could be a symptom of mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or incorrect tyre pressures. Check the tyre pressure sensor readings and listen for any thumping or vibration at higher speeds, which often precede tyre failure. The rear inner brake pads are already at the minimum safe thickness; verify the pad wear on all four wheels, feel the pedal for any sponginess or pulsation, and listen for squealing that would indicate further pad degradation. A fluctuating service brake reading noted in 2025 may hint at air in the system or worn caliper pistons, so a brake fluid bleed and a visual inspection of the caliper pins for corrosion are advisable. Also confirm that the headlamp aim is within legal limits – a simple visual check of the beam pattern on a wall will reveal if the low beams are still correctly aligned after the 2024 failure. Beyond the immediate tyre and brake concerns, assess the vehicle’s age‑related items. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and, if possible, perform a load test; a nine‑year‑old battery may be weakened even with modest mileage. Inspect the suspension for cracked or leaking rubber bushes, especially around the front lower arms and rear trailing arms, as these can cause the tyre‑wear patterns already observed. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and that the oil appears clean, since time‑based degradation can occur even when the car is not driven heavily. Finally, look for any signs of corrosion on the wheel arches, under‑body and exhaust system, and ensure the windscreen wipers clear the glass effectively, as the 2022 wiper defect may have been remedied but could re‑appear if the blades are ageing. Addressing these points will give you a clear indication of the Qashqai’s current roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.